India qualifies for AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 after beating higher-ranked Thailand
For the first time ever, the Blue Tigresses had had a successful qualification campaign for the AFC Women's Asian Cup. India's last appearance at the continental showpiece came in 2003, at a time when there were no qualifiers.
They participated again in 2022 as hosts but were forced to withdraw due to a COVID outbreak.
It was Sangita Basfore, the tireless midfield engine, who delivered on the night. Her brace – one in each half (28th and 74th minutes) – powered India past a strong Thailand side in what was a high-stakes, winner-takes-all Group B showdown.
Thailand's Chatchawan Rodthong (47th minute) had briefly reignited the home side's hopes with a second-half equaliser, but Basfore's decisive second goal shattered its dreams and carved India's path to the Asian Cup.
AS IT HAPPENED | Thailand vs India Highlights
'I want to congratulate my team first. It's because of them that I have been able to score these two goals. A huge thanks to the coaching staff as well,' Sangita said after the match.
'Our target is the World Cup. We'll look at that going ahead,' she added. 'I also want to thank the fans and our families for supporting us.'
Buoyed by the vocal support of thousands in the stands, Thailand took control early.
India was on the ropes but not broken. In the 28th minute, Anju Tamang initiated a swift move down the right before teeing up Basfore near the edge of the box. With time and space, the midfielder unleashed a powerful right-footed shot that screamed into the net, sending the Indian dugout into raptures.
The second half couldn't have started worse for India. Just two minutes after the restart, Thai fullback Chatchawan Rodthong surged down the left and whipped in a teasing cross. It was meant for striker Saowalak Pengngam, who missed her connection, but the ball's curl wrong-footed Panthoi and nestled into the far corner for a fortunate equaliser as India conceded their first goal of the qualifiers.
Despite multiple attempts to equalise, Thailand couldn't find the back of the net for the second time in the match.
The AFC Women's Asian Cup 2026 will also serve as a qualifier for the FIFA Women's World Cup Brazil 2027.
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